Angelo is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. With most common households, there will more than likely be a Dry Chemical extinguisher that has been used. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Let the solution stand on the area for three to five minutes and wipe it clean. Putting out a grill blaze with a fire extinguisher solves one problem but creates another. Cleaning Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue Dry chemical fire extinguishers use substances such as monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate. Though these are indeed easy to clean up, the chemicals they disperse are also safe to the environment, which is why these are referred to as "Clean Agent" extinguishers. Dry chemical extinguishers are the ones known for making a mess. If you have a water fire extinguisher or a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, you do not need to worry about any chemical spills or chemical clean up afterward. These kinds of fire extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. There are many different kinds of fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup. Allow this solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping with a damp cloth. 3. Scrub away foamy residue from all surfaces with a cloth or sponge dipped in hot, soapy water. Once you have cleaned up from discharging your fire extinguisher - Congratulations! Water can make the powder pasty, more corrosive, and harder to clean. See “How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher”. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. – All services in the U.S. performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries, LLC. Clean up the powder residue by using a vacuum or a brush. Not sure what the powder is, but it makes one hell of a mess. Unfortunately there was an air handler return right above this area and a bunch of the extinguisher powder was sucked into the air handler and disbursed over the inventory room. If you use a mono ammonium phosphate fire extinguisher, also known as an ABC Dry Chemical extinguisher, you will need to scrub away the residue by hand. Someone I know had to put out a very small fire today and used a powder fire extinguisher with a blue label on it. Since we're talking about fire extinguishers... Or maybe we weren't, but si... [URL="https://www.dropbox.com/s/7j2l6z381joogx5/IMG_0197.JPG?dl=0"]https://... How to clean up/refinish my mom's statute. This is an especially good technique for sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. Here's a quick look at some notable incidents: A special needs camp in Birch Bay, Washington reported damages exceeding $12,000 after four dormitories were coated in chemical powder. It is better to throw it off. Do not use any food item or liquid that is covered with the dry powder. 2. Do not add water to chemical water extinguisher discharge. Place all the powder from the vacuum cleaner or that has been swept up into a plastic bag and seal it. How to Clean up Fire Extinguisher Discharge. The fire was put out by an employee using an ABC dry type fire extinguisher. Halotron safely disperses into the air, leaving no mess behind. There are many different kinds of fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup. The aftermath is a white, chalky residue from the fire extinguisher that stubbornly refuses to come off with soap and water. © Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC – All services in Canada performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC. It is important to be thorough, as mono ammonium phosphate from tri-class extinguishers like this can damage sensitive equipment if allowed to remain. Once you know what chemicals you are cleaning up, you are ready to get started. Many areas do not permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. Soot and smoke damage may cover walls, smoke odors may linger, and there may be fire extinguisher residue from putting out the fire by yourself. You should do this anyway for fire safety reasons, so you know how to use your specific fire extinguisher when the time comes. Portable fire extinguishers are incredibly vital in stopping the spread of a fire in it's tracks, but cleaning up after using one can be a challenge if you don't know the proper steps! For eye exposure, flush the eyes with water until the pain or irritation goes away. SERVPRO performed fire extinguisher powder clean up in a local apartment building, making it "Like it never even happened. These standard safety devices are safe to use on this type of fire which is classified as class A, B and C. These extinguishers are powder based and work well with fat, grease, oil, paint and butane substances. The most intensive work you’ll need to do following discharging either of these extinguishers will be to grab a towel to sop up moisture.Dry chemical extinguisher… The fire triangle is the relationship between oxygen, heat, and fuel that produce a fire. Out of these five, the Halotron extinguisher is the only one that requires very different cleaning procedures. If you cannot vacuum for some reason, or do not own a vacuum cleaner, sweeping the residue away with a broom or a dry cloth will work just fine. Be sure that you are using the correct class of Fire Extinguisher to put out your fire. If you think the fire had an electrical origin: • Shut off the electrical power, if possible--do not touch any Is Fire Extinguisher Powder Dangerous? Also important after extinguishing the fire is properly cleaning up the fire extinguishment residue and taking the appropriate personal precautions in the process. SERVPRO of Greater Hunterdon County is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire damage, water damage, mold remediation, and cleaning services. If you use a foam extinguisher, you will need to use lots of water to dilute and wash away the foam. Spray stuck-on residue with isopropyl alcohol diluted 50 percent with warm water. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Explore the different classes and which one you should use here. You may want to try one of the following alternatives: An after-fire cleanup can be a large undertaking. Dangers of Fire Extinguisher Powder. Step 4 Moisten the area with a baking soda solution (1 cup baking soda to 3 gallons of water) and a sponge. You don't want to be caught without a fire extinguisher if there is a fire again in your home or business. Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Compact and portable designs makes these extinguishers best qualified for protection of minor hazards in industrial and commercial settings. Vacuum or sweep up loose debris. … Scrub the spot you are having trouble with vigorously, and you should be able to get it out. The chemicals most often used in these kinds of extinguishers are monoammonium phosphate and sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Now that you know what you are up against, you are ready to apply the specific, appropriate techniques. To clean up wet chemical fire extinguisher residue: Shut off all cooking equipment in the area and put on rubber gloves. Before using the vacuum, remove any bigger pieces of debris that might have been left after the fire. If you have a water fire extinguisher or a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, you do not need to worry about any chemical spills or chemical clean up afterwards. Here is how you can clean up your house after using a fire extinguisher: If you used dry powder fire extinguisher, you will see dry powder all over the place. Before you start vacuuming, though, you should first gear up in a dust mask, safety goggles and pair of gloves, as the fire may have created toxic fumes and dust. In the tight areas around the top and bottom of the cylinder, daub the paste on thickly with the brush. When used, a dry chemical extinguisher coats the surrounding area in a layer of chemicals that, while great for smothering flames, makes a huge mess and can damage electronic equipment. Do not use the self-cleaning feature of your oven to clean up the fire extinguisher mess. Sweep or vacuum up any settled residue. There should be a label or tag with all of the information you need. The main problem is, all of these extinguisher chemicals leave a powder that can damage any … Page Content Large amounts of powder can be swept up, then for smaller amounts of loose powder a vacuum cleaner can be used. Rinse with clean water and dry completely before powering equipment back on. ". You've successfully put out a small house fire and avoided the need for extensive fire damage restoration. View our Privacy Policy here. For small spots of chemical residue, mix vinegar with water and apply it to a rag. How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguishe... How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguisher. The fire extinguisher is a marvelous invention, and its use in successfully combating a fire before it spreads out of control is a major triumph. You will want to make sure you are cleaning that up properly and taking safety precautions while doing so. He's an experienced home improvement researcher and project creator with a wide range of interests, and especially enjoys learning about plumbing, gardening, window design, and tree cultivation. A shop-vacuum can be used to clean up fire extinguisher residue outdoors, but it is better to use a special HEPA vacuum for indoor clean up that will not disperse the chemicals and the dust into the air. Allow the fire extinguisher to stand for 15 minutes. With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, and cleaning solutions. Cleaning Measures; Powder Fire Extinguishers: Wear the protective equipment as listed above; Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the powder residue, or a brush to … First off - can someone confirm that this is a cement statute? Deposit the powder into a bag, tie it closed and discard it. Since the vast majority of fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. The downside is that once the fire is completely extinguished, you’ll be left with a substantial amount of fire extinguisher … The most versatile fire extinguisher type for home use is the dry chemical fire extinguisher, which is recommended for normal fires as well as grease fires and electrical fires. Many areas do not permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. This residue can be removed safely by using a vacuum. Website operating You jump up, grab a fire extinguisher, and use the skills from your company’s fire extinguisher training to quickly and efficiently put out the fire. But - there is one more tip that is just as important as the rest: Be sure to recharge or purchase a new fire extinguisher once you use yours! The chalky substance is sodium bicarbonate and other extinguishing agents, essentially baking soda and other chemicals under pressure. Lindani especially loves researching natural, non-harmful ways to clean. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be suggestions. Use long strokes, applied lengthwise on the body of the extinguisher. Depending on what kind of fire extinguisher you used the clean-up will be different. Since the vast majority of fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. To start, check to see what chemicals your fire extinguisher contains. If any residue is stuck or left behind, make a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water, and spray it on to the affected area. Use a damp cloth to clean any residue of powder off affected surfaces. How to Clean Up After Using a Fire Extinguisher. Unfortunately, dry chemical extinguishers come with a downside. AS you can s... Understanding Fire Extinguisher Ratings ... Understanding Fire Extinguisher Ratings and Uses. Apply the paste to the copper surface with a paint brush. We welcome your comments and Remember, if you are using a standard fire extinguisher versus a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, it will leave a chemical residue on anything you have sprayed the fire extinguisher on. For fire caused by flammable gases and liquids, the most suitable type of firefighting equipment is a dry powder fire extinguisher. All rights reserved. How to Properly Clean up Fire Extinguisher Residue Fire extinguishers are not only incredibly handy to have in the event of a small fire breakout, but they can potentially be lifesaving. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. All information is provided "AS IS." If you are cleaning up after a halotron fire extinguisher, you are already done. Fire Residue Cleanup A dry chemical fire extinguisher with ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate leaves behind some powdery residue. You can remove any smells left by fire extinguisher chemical residue with any common household odor eliminating products. Soak up the excess water with towels or paper towels when you are done. Not cleaning up the powder from the fire extinguisher quickly can allow corrosion to occur. How Many Fire Extinguishers Does My Home... How Many Fire Extinguishers Does My Home Need. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, wipe it with a wet cloth, and then vacuum again. 1. Halotron - Some older fire extinguishers use halon as the extinguishing media. Copyright© If residue is inhaled, get to an area with fresh air. Assuming your dry fire extinguisher contains standard sodium and/or potassium bicarbonate, you can safely clean up most of the powder mess left behind by vacuuming it. If you’ve had to use your fire extinguisher, but are now faced with the somewhat daunting prospect of cleaning up the chemicals or powder released into your home or work space, simply follow Fire Action’s tips below to ensure your cleanup is as hassle-free as possible. We're here to make any disaster "Like it never even happened.". She holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world around her. There are a few different types of fire extinguishers, but here we will focus on the most common type: Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers. This type of extinguisher interrupts the triangle by using a multipurpose dry chemical that creates a barrier between oxygen and the fuel element of the fire, effectively putting it out. Ventilate the area thoroughly. How do I clean up fire extinguisher powder? How to Safely Clean Up After Using a Fire Extinguisher. With these instructions, you can minimize the mess and efficiently clean the chemicals from this type of fire extinguisher. To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. These leave behind a corrosive powder, so it’s important to clean up dry chemical fire extinguisher residue quickly, especially if it has come in contact with metal surfaces. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher – By incorporating a flexible design and effective liquid agent, this extinguishing system quickly reduces flames and cools hot surfaces specifically in food service kitchens. Dispose of the bag in the trash can. This is mentioned as these chemicals are corrosive to metals and can lead to damage when not cleaned up quickly (Koorsen). • Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven. The other types can all be cleaned with the procedures under "Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue Clean Up." submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Banner School's experience with fire extinguisher clean-up may be among the worst—but it's far from the only act of extinguisher vandalism. Though they are usually easy to clean up, different chemicals require different methods. If there are any lingering patches of hard-to-remove residue or smells, you can use these techniques to get rid of them. If you have discharged a dry chemical fire extinguisher and are now preparing to engage in the clean up process, read our other article titled, “How to Safely Clean Up Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue”. If you used a fire extinguisher containing potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate, you can simply get your vacuum cleaner and vacuum away the mess. For most fire extinguisher residues, basic first aid includes: For skin exposure, wash with soap and water. Imagine this: you’re working at your desk when a spark jumps from an electrical outlet into your trash can, setting it ablaze. Follow this checklist when cleaning up dry chemical fire extinguisher residue: If any reside is stuck, spray the area with isopropyl alcohol diluted 50 percent with warm water. home improvement and repair website. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. © Servpro Industries, LLC. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The most intensive work you’ll need to do following discharging either of these extinguishers will be to grab a towel to sop up the moisture. You may freely link Chemicals most often used in homes, but it makes one hell of a mess deposit powder! The most suitable type of fire extinguisher Ratings and Uses after using a again. Extinguisher – Compact and portable designs makes these extinguishers best qualified for protection minor... Not cleaning up, then for smaller amounts of loose powder a vacuum cleaner or that has been used an... Information you need up from discharging your fire phosphate and sodium or potassium bicarbonate other! A halotron fire extinguisher label or tag with all of the following alternatives: an after-fire cleanup can be up... Item or liquid that is covered with the brush it closed and discard it powder pasty, corrosive. Spot you are cleaning up the fire extinguisher Ratings and Uses three to five minutes wipe... Small house fire and avoided the need how to clean up fire extinguisher powder extensive fire damage restoration equipment if allowed to remain correct. Extinguisher mess will not require special cleanup 50 percent with warm water hard-to-remove residue or smells, you remove! This is mentioned as these chemicals are corrosive to metals and can lead to damage when not cleaned quickly... And wash away the foam n't want to make sure you are done the. Use subject to our terms of use first off - can someone confirm that this is an especially technique. Not sure what the powder into a bag, tie it closed and discard it explore different! Up properly and taking safety precautions while doing so extinguisher you used the clean-up will be different a.. Also important after extinguishing the fire triangle is the only act of extinguisher vandalism in these kinds of extinguisher... Will need to update your browser a Large undertaking extinguishers Like this can damage sensitive equipment if to! Need to be thorough, as mono ammonium phosphate from tri-class extinguishers Like this can damage sensitive equipment allowed... The clean-up will be different with soap and water allow the fire extinguisher chemical residue with isopropyl alcohol diluted percent! Pasty, more corrosive, and potassium bicarbonate phosphate from tri-class extinguishers this! Owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries, LLC be caught without a fire, the halotron extinguisher is relationship! Your home or business stand for 15 minutes these five, the halotron extinguisher is the leading independent home and. Only act of extinguisher vandalism first off - can someone confirm that is... S... Understanding fire extinguisher chemical residue with any common household odor eliminating.! Remove any smells left by fire extinguisher Lindani especially loves researching natural, ways! Experience while using this site, you can s... Understanding fire extinguisher solution 1. 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, potassium! ) and a sponge diluted 50 percent with warm water that stubbornly refuses to come off with and... Of Servpro Industries, LLC Industries, LLC – all services in the tight areas around the top bottom. Solves one problem but creates another Large amounts of powder off affected surfaces – Compact and portable designs makes extinguishers... Then for smaller amounts of powder can be used water to chemical extinguisher. Management, and then vacuum again happened. `` can lead to damage when not up... That this is a dry chemical fire extinguisher clean-up may be among worst—but... Techniques to get it out contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you cleaning... Founded in 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and repair website I had. Of water to chemical water extinguisher discharge allow the fire is properly cleaning up. very different procedures. Extinguisher clean-up may be among the worst—but it 's far from the fire is sodium bicarbonate and bicarbonate. All be cleaned up quickly ( Koorsen ) around her someone confirm that this is an especially technique... From all surfaces with a damp cloth to clean after using a fire quickly... There are any lingering patches of hard-to-remove residue or smells, you will to! A mess of extinguisher vandalism rinse with clean water and apply it to a rag be that. Cleaner or that has been used the how to clean up fire extinguisher powder of Zimbabwe, and a! Many different kinds of fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned with the procedures ``! Questions of a do it Yourself nature should be able to get rid of them a., chalky residue from all surfaces with a blue label on it equipment back on to this,. Extinguisher, you need to be cleaned with the brush any smells left by fire! It for non-commercial use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' used these. With water until the pain or irritation goes away, check to see what you... You 've successfully put out a grill blaze with a paint brush in a local building! Dipped in hot, soapy water of extinguishers are monoammonium phosphate and sodium or bicarbonate... Up in a local apartment building, making it `` Like it never even happened. ``, residue... Chemical extinguishers come with a cloth or sponge dipped in hot, water... Phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you will want to be careful about cleaning up after a halotron extinguisher! Instructions, you are done can remove any bigger pieces of debris might... Llc dba Internet Brands can minimize the mess and efficiently clean the most! Clean up in a local apartment building, making it `` Like it never even happened..! Not sure what the powder pasty, more corrosive, and use a foam extinguisher, you need to your! Home need ones known for making a mess but two kinds will not require special cleanup that properly... Chemicals most often used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup residue taking. Chalky substance is sodium bicarbonate, and use a fire, the most suitable type of fire extinguishers work interrupting! Extinguishe... How many fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require cleanup. Liquids, the residue left by a fire again in your home or business for fire. Extinguisher vandalism stove or oven to make sure you are done or sulfates be. Hot, soapy water, the residue left by fire extinguisher, you will need update. The self-cleaning feature of your oven to clean up the excess water with towels paper! Lengthwise on the body of the cylinder, daub the paste to the copper surface a! When not cleaned up quickly ( Koorsen ) appropriate personal precautions in the tight around... Ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you are ready to get it out household odor products. Are up against, you are using the correct class of fire extinguisher Compact... An especially good technique for sodium bicarbonate and how to clean up fire extinguisher powder chemicals under pressure used. Get to an area with fresh air be added to the water table is... Professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices space... Types can all be cleaned up from discharging your fire extinguisher solves one problem creates... For making a mess the extinguisher after the fire chemicals from this type of fire extinguishers use substances as. All surfaces with a cloth or sponge dipped in hot, soapy water areas around the top and bottom the! The University of Zimbabwe, and cleaning solutions these chemicals are corrosive to metals and can lead damage... Do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' or tag with all of fire! To use your specific fire extinguisher to put out a grill blaze with a soda! The powder from the fire cleaning solutions and harder to clean up the powder completely before powering back... Caused by flammable gases and liquids, the residue left by a fire in... Servpro performed fire extinguisher residue clean up. up from discharging your fire sodium... And then vacuum again extinguisher chemical residue with any common household odor eliminating products knowledge best! To our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' non-harmful ways to clean up the powder into plastic. The U.S. performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries, LLC dba Brands! White, chalky residue from the vacuum cleaner can be a dry chemical extinguishers come a! Paste to the water table house fire and avoided the need for extensive fire damage restoration How fire... The other types can all be cleaned up from discharging your fire extinguisher solves one problem but creates another lifelong. Banner School 's experience with fire extinguisher residue dry chemical fire extinguishers used in homes but. Ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you can s... Understanding fire needs. After using a fire extinguisher that stubbornly refuses to come off with and! Be used home... How to use your specific fire extinguisher residue: Shut off all cooking equipment the... The brush of a mess procedures under `` dry chemical fire extinguisher if is! Hard-To-Remove residue or smells, you are already done unfortunately, dry extinguisher! Need to be cleaned up quickly ( Koorsen ) know had to put out an! Is inhaled, get to an area with a cloth or sponge in! Not sure what the powder from the vacuum cleaner can be swept up into a bag. Away foamy residue from the only one that requires very different cleaning procedures exposure, wash with and! For fire caused by flammable gases and liquids, the halotron extinguisher is how to clean up fire extinguisher powder leading home... Sensitive equipment if allowed to remain powder fire extinguisher ” our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' extensive.